The El Cajon Police Department is inviting all City of El Cajon residents to a family friendly meeting to discuss issues facing our community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Police Department, as well as other City services.  This informative presentation will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, located at 195 E Douglas Avenue.

Attendees will see Identity Theft Displays and demonstrations by: the Forensic Laboratory, K-9 Unit and SWAT. Activities are planned for children by the City of El Cajon Recreation Department.

El Cajon Police Chief Pat Sprecco said of the forum, “Identity theft is a crime that can be combated by using simple common sense strategies. Come learn about this, and also have an opportunity to talk to officers patrolling your neighborhood.”

For questions regarding this event please contact Officer Dan Hansen at (619) 441-1597 or visit www.elcajonneighbors.org.

Monica Zech -Public Information Officer

Date:  November 1, 2010

(619) 441-1737 – office

(619) 843-7218 – cell

I-8 Handout 5-2010

Jamboree Is Friday-Saturday & Sunday

It’s almost here – the 2010 Cajon Valley Jamboree starts this Friday, May 21st and continues through Sunday! This popular family event is held at Holy Trinity Church, located at 405 Ballard Street in El Cajon. Admission is free with live entertainment – including a hypnotist, fun rides, food, crafters, a live auction and a silent auction as well. Hours are: Friday, May 21 – 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday, May 22 – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday – May 23 – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information on the entertainment and program activity visit www.cajonvalleyjamboree.com.

Friday Is National Bike To Work Day!

Grab your bike and helmet, carpool or use the transit system and join thousands of County residents for Bike To Work Week, with Friday, May 21st designated as National Bike to Work Day (BTWD)! Register now at www.iCommuteSD.com to be eligible for prizes, such as spa gift certificates or an electric bicycle, and print out your receipt for a free BTWD t-shirt! Cruise by one of dozens of pit stops to refuel with beverages, free energizing snacks, and lots of encouragement! Pit stops are open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Check www.icommutesd.com often to see which pit stops are on your route.

The City of El Cajon will have their 12th Annual Pit Stop at the corner of Sulzfeld and East Main Street. Enjoy the ride, get healthier and save the environment!

El Cajon Police Awards Ceremony This Friday

The 21st Annual El Cajon Police Department Awards Ceremony will take place this Friday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m. This event will be held at the Ronald Reagan Center, located at 195 E. Douglas Avenue in El Cajon. El Cajon Police Chief Pat Sprecco will be honoring those Officers, non-sworn personnel and citizens of El Cajon who made a great contribution to the Police Department, the City of El Cajon and our community.

Among the awards to be given, three local citizens will be recognized for their quick thinking and immediate action that resulted in saving the life of a driver whose vehicle overturned following a collision. Three more citizens will be honored for rescuing two women from a burning home in July of 2009, and an off duty Chula Vista Police Officer will be honored for performing CPR on a 16 year-old boy who experienced heart failure. The public is invited to join us and help congratulate these recipients.

Two More Sector Watch Meetings

There are two Sector Watch meetings left, and if you missed the sector meeting for your area you are still welcome to attend! The El Cajon Police Department is holding a total of five Community Neighborhood Forums called “Sector Watch.” Check the schedule below for the remaining dates. These meetings are a great opportunity for residents to ask Police and other City representatives questions, voice any concerns they may have about their neighborhood, such as traffic, graffiti and gangs, or just stop by to say thank you! Many residents come to sign up for a Neighborhood Watch program.

Police Community Forums are scheduled for the following sectors:

Sector 9 – May 26th – 6:00 p.m. – Meridian Elementary School, 651 S. Third

Sector 10 – June 2nd – 6:00 p.m. – Toyota of El Cajon, 965 Arnele Avenue

Light refreshments are being provided by the East County Junior Woman’s Club. Police Services Officer Samantha Hook will be there with important safety information on protecting your home and property, as well as information on graffiti removal and the Neighborhood Watch program. The El Cajon Community Development Corporation will be on hand with information on the Lend A Hand clean-up program for neighborhoods and Communities Against Substance Abuse (CASA) will be there with important information dealing with substance abuse. What sector area do you live in? Visit www.elcajonneighbors.org and click on “Where Is My Sector” on the left hand side of the opening page. For more information please call (619) 579-3364.

Painters Needed For Mural In El Cajon

Are you an artist? Join us Saturday, May 29th, for the El Cajon Community Development Corporation’s Lend A Hand Neighborhood Enhancement event from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event will feature volunteer-friendly mural painting projects in the vicinity of the Cajon Valley Middle School ballpark. Volunteers, participants, sponsors, and materials are still needed. Volunteer your time, materials, or expertise, or support Lend A Hand with a financial donation. To participate, please register in advance by calling Christina Burke, the El Cajon CDC Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858 or email her at Christina@downtownelcajon.com.

The Tamburitzans – Friday At ECPAC

Looking for great entertainment? It’s coming this Friday, May 21st, at 7:30 p.m. as the Tamburitzans, America’s Premier Folk Ensemble, will be performing at the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) located at 210 E. Main Street in El Cajon. Hear the music, songs, and dances of Eastern Europe and neighboring cultures. Reserved seats are $24.00 and $27.00. For tickets visit www.cytsandiego.org or call (619) 588-0206.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 31st – City offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. Waste Management services will also be delayed one day in observance of Memorial Day.

Western Heritage Days Comes To El Cajon in June

The first weekend in June is Olaf Wieghorst Museum’s Western Heritage Days! This fun FREE family event takes over Rea Avenue between Magnolia Avenue and Sulzfeld Street on June 5th – from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and June 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is the 8th annual celebration and exhibition of our western heritage, featuring Women Artists of the West juried Art Show – www.waow.com, blacksmiths, storytellers, mountain men, artists and artisans, western reenactments, Native American dancers, live western music by top performers, Buffalo Soldiers, reenactments and shoot outs, Ritter Hat maker, a Children’s Pavilion – and lots of food! For more information see their website at www.wieghorstmuseum.org or call (619) 590-3431.

Antique Show In June At The Ronald Reagan Center

See all the unique antiques at the 2010 San Diego Antique & Collectible Show on June 9th, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Center in El Cajon, 195 E. Douglas Avenue. You’ll find wonderful collectibles, including jewelry and art. Plenty of free parking! Admission is just $5.00. For more information please call (619) 445-8432.

Juried Art Show At Sophie’s

The East County Art Association’s Masters of the Moment Regional Juried Art Show will be held from June 1, 2010, to July 1, 2010, at Sophie’s Art Gallery, 109 Rea Ave, in El Cajon. This show is open to artists in San Diego County. Entry date is Saturday, May 22. Artists who wish to submit their work may view and download the prospectus from the calendar on their website at www.eastcountyartassociation.org.

Regional Stakeholder Forums – Building Better Health

It’s called “Building Better Health!” The County of San Diego’s Health Strategy is a proposed blueprint for improving community health and quality of life over the next decade. The County invites stakeholders and residents to attend a Regional Stakeholder Forum at which an overview of the plan will be provided followed by an informal question and answer session. Five forums will be held across the County with the East County forum being held on Wednesday, June 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, located at 195 East Douglas Avenue, El Cajon. Please RSVP by Friday, June 4th by calling (619) 668-3950.

Calling East County Angels

There’s a very special volunteer organization that helps in times of crisis! Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego County, Inc. (TIP) is seeking citizen volunteers who live in the East County. These volunteers will be trained to help fellow citizens who are in distress following a natural or unexpected death, fire, crime or other tragedies in your community. Volunteers are called to the scene by police, fire, Sheriff and hospital personnel to assist. Reserve your spot now; the next 50-hour training academy begins July 8, 2010. No experience is necessary to attend the training or become a volunteer. For more information, or to register, please call (760) 931-2104 or check their website at www.tipsandiego.org.

Note: Please keep me informed of your community events by placing me on your mailing or e-mail list. If you have an event in the City of El Cajon that you would like to share, please contact Monica Zech, Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon, via e-mail at mzech@ci.el-cajon.ca.us, or send to: Monica Zech, Public Information Officer, City of El Cajon, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020.

Monica Zech is available as a speaker on “safe driving” for your company conference or safety briefing.
Visit www.monicazech.com for information in contacting her. It’s a perspective that will change your view of traffic and driving – making you more aware & alert – and reduce the risk factor of having a collision!

Ducks just fine during construction - photo by Mary Ann Prall

Story by Monica Zech

It’s Spring and here at City Hall we’re enjoying seeing the dozens of baby ducklings at the City Hall pond playfully swimming along.  All the nearby construction activity has not ruffled any of their feathers.

photo by Monica Zech

Construction includes the Public Safety Center north of the pond and the Prescott Promenade renovations just south of the pond – the ducks hardly even notice.  Residents are enjoying the cute little ducklings too.

Daily people, sometimes with children, stop by to feed the ducks.  But, please remember to throw any bags you bring into the nearby trash cans, and wading in the water is not permitted – especially watch your young children due to slippery conditions – and you’ll scare the ducks.

photo by Monica Zech

Another reminder – if you are walking your dogs around City Hall, or at any of our City parks, please remember to pick up after your dogs.  By the way, construction on the PSC is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2011, while renovations at the Prescott Promenade should wrap up by early July – weather and equipment permitting.

Monica Zech is available as a speaker on “safe driving” for your company conference or safety briefing.

Visit www.monicazech.com for information in contacting her. It’s a perspective that will change your view of traffic and driving – making you more aware & alert – and reduce the risk factor of having a collision!

Bike To Work Day In El Cajon

“Bike to Work Week”, May 17 through 21, is a nationwide endeavor to educate the public about the benefits of bicycling and to increase awareness of and respect for bicyclists.  The education of cyclists and motorists as to the proper and safe operation of bicycles is important to ensure the safety and comfort of all users.  We also recognize and encourage cycling as an important means of transportation, and support potential new cyclists in joining our community.  May 21 has been designated as National Bike to Work Day and many City employees will take part by using alternative means of transportation to travel into work, such as bicycling, transit, or carpooling.  A special Pit Stop will be set up with refreshments, donated by local merchants, in the 200 block of East Main Street, at the corner of Sulzfeld and Main Street in El Cajon.  The Pit Stop will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. as a thank you for those taking part in this event.

Bicycle transportation is an integral part of the multimodal transportation system planned for by city, state, and local transportation government agencies.  The economic, environmental, and health effects of a car-dependent world are extensive and far-reaching.  Bicycle commuting is one of the most effective ways to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and noise, and to conserve energy!

At the May 11^th City Council meeting, City of El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis and the City Council proclaimed the seventeenth through the twenty-first of May, two thousand and ten to be “BIKE TO WORK WEEK” and the twenty-first day of May as “NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK DAY” in the City of El Cajon.  We encourage residents and employees to recognize the importance of sharing our streets and highways with cyclists and to participate in cycling activities to whatever extent possible during this week, including cycling to work – and don’t forget your helmet!

For more information about Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day in El Cajon please call (619) 441-1653.

Monica Zech
Public Information Officer
City of El Cajon

Summer Camps 2010!

The El Cajon Recreation Department works hard planning amazing camps for your youngsters for Summer!   Now that summer school is no longer provided in most school districts, Summer Camps 2010 in the City of El Cajon is the answer! Go on-line today at www.elcajonrec.org to preview a sampling of the upcoming camps with detailed information available in the Summer 2010 Recreation Guide. Early Bird Registration for all summer camps begins June 1 so don’t miss out – register early.  We’ll keep your child busy in a safe, secure and supervised environment!

Skate Clinics available at Kennedy Skatepark!!

Bring your skateboard or roller blades and join us every Wednesday for a fun-filled two-hour skate clinic! We invite all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Our fabulous instructors focus on providing a safe and fun environment.  Two times are offered: 4:00-6:00 p.m. or 6:00-8:00 p.m. The cost is only $8.00 per session! A series of clinics can be purchased at a discounted price.  All participants must bring a helmet, elbow pads, kneepads, and their Kennedy Skatepark ID Card to participate.   For more information call Kennedy Center at (619) 441-1676.

Adult Softball Leagues—Sign Up Today!

The City of El Cajon is looking for adult softball teams to participate in men’s, women’s and co-rec leagues forming today!  We even have senior softball teams. Whether you are an experienced player or just looking to get some exercise and have some fun, the City of El Cajon has a softball league for you.  With leagues offered five nights a week and all skill levels for women, men or co-rec, why not get some friends together and give it a try.  Complete teams are welcome and we would be happy to assist individuals interested in joining some of our existing teams who may be looking to add some new players.  Must be 18 years of age or older to participate, affordable league fees vary.  For more information please contact Kennedy Center at  (619) 441-1676.

Adult Basketball Leagues-Coming Soon!

The City of El Cajon is currently accepting team rosters for upcoming adult basketball leagues.   The current league plays on Tuesday evenings, but additional leagues are offered on different nights and Saturdays throughout the year.  Must be 18 years of age or older to participate, affordable league fees vary.  For more information please contact Kennedy Center at (619) 441-1676.

It’s Perfect Weather for Walking in City of El Cajon Parks and it’s the budget-friendly way to better health!

Is the cost of a gym membership keeping you from getting exercise? El Cajon parks are the perfect place for Earth’s Easiest Exercise: Walking. The benefits of walking are numerous: Walking can add years to your life and it’s free! Walking conditions your heart and lungs and improves your body’s ability to use oxygen more efficiently. Fact: In one study, women who walked briskly (3-4 mph) at least three hours a week cut their risk of heart attack and stroke by more than half. Walking is easy on the mind, too since it lessens stress and lightens depression. Beginning walkers usually report that they feel and sleep better, and that their mental outlook improved. Just put on a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes and go! Check out the City’s website to view pictures and descriptions of our local parks at www.elcajonrec.org and clicking on “Parks” at the bottom of the page.

For more information about El Cajon Recreation Department parks, facilities, programs, classes and events call (619) 441-1754 or go online to www.elcajonrec.org

Monica Zech
Public Information Officer
City of El Cajon

Prescott Promenade Renovation

On February 23, 2010, the City Council approved the Plans and Specifications for the Prescott Promenade improvement project. Construction began at the end of April 2010 and is scheduled to be completed by early July. (weather and equipment permitting). Fences have been erected around the Promenade, with pedestrians directed to use Claydelle and Magnolia Avenues as alternate routes.  During the renovations nearby stores and restaurants are still open with easy access for your shopping and dining pleasure!

The Prescott Promenade improvements include new pavement and energy-efficient lighting. This new lighting will produce a brighter whiter light and give a greater projection to allow the illumination of the park to a higher public safety level, but will permit users of the park the option to dim the lights during special events.

Additional improvements include: a new high-efficiency code compliant irrigation system, new benches, low-water turf grass, shrubs and trees. The existing concrete circular stage will be removed and replaced with a flat concrete space that can be used for portable stages. The removal of the concrete stage will also provide level space for tables and chairs when the space is not used for concert purposes. The new stage area will have a large canvas sail that will provide shade.

The proposed project will include the completion of the downtown traffic signal work at Main Street and Magnolia Avenue, replacement of the traffic signal at Civic Center Way, and the streetlight at Sulzfeld Way.  In front of Prescott Promenade a small billboard is in place that shows an artists’ rendition of what the Promenade will look like when the work is complete.

Careful planning and design went into this proposed project to ensure that pedestrian, landscaping and lighting elements flow from the Public Safety Center to the public library. These proposed improvements also present the Prescott Promenade as a showcase destination for future events in the East County.  The Classic car shows, Concerts on the Green, and the Mother Goose Parade will have the added benefit of utilizing the new park for special events like farmers markets and craft fairs. The Recreation Department, together with the downtown merchants can plan larger events that attract more people.

The proposed project is designed to complement the previous and planned improvements to the downtown, the Public Safety Center and City Hall. This proposed project takes into account the anticipated goals, policies and objectives of the future downtown specific plan by allowing more public space and will greatly enhance El Cajon’s Downtown area.

The planned Prescott Promenade improvements will add another upgrade to the downtown area. The estimated cost for this project is approximately $1.1 million and will be completed using Redevelopment Funds. No General Funds will be used for this project. With recent and planned improvements, the downtown area is undergoing an exciting transformation.

Monica Zech
Public Information Officer
City of El Cajon